Culture
14 Jun 23

Minister Martin developing a plan for climate action with not-for-profits

Minister Catherine Martin at the RTE Folk Awards 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

In a meeting at Dunamaise Arts Centre today, Minister Catherine Martin has begun developing the framework for Ireland's Culture, Creativity, and Climate Action with the intent to fund not-for-profit cultural organisations' endeavours to reduce their carbon footprints

In a recent announcement, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin unveiled plans and policy to reconfigure how Ireland combats climate change: through cultural organisations.

By funding support to these organisations, Minister Martin's plan outlines how they can help reduce carbon emissions. Parts of the initiative includes auditing and reducing organisations' energy, improving their infrastructure, and establishing programmes that will "engage audiences in climate action" meant to teach people how to be mindful of their energy use and waste.

“Culture is a powerful force in engaging the public and I want to support the sector in inspiring Irish people to address the climate crisis," Minister Martin asserted.

"I believe that cultural organisations can lead the way, by reducing their emissions and embedding climate considerations in all aspects of their operations. That is why I continue to introduce new investment schemes to support the transition of cultural organisations to new, more sustainable operations."

According to the press release, Minister Martin begins the consultation phase for the project today at an event at Dunamaise Arts Centre. Hosting eco-conscious cultural leaders and participants from the National Cultural Institutions, the Arts Council, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, local authorities and more, the event is meant to facilitate founding the framework for the Art Council's Climate Action Policy.

The policy's goal is to provide resources for arts workers and organisations to be trained in climate action.

Overall, Minister Martin's plan hopes to allot €1.4m for not-for-profit organisations to help them reduce their emissions in addition to creating more work spaces for artists. It's a step forward to fostering Ireland's cultural identity and preserving its environment.

"It is vital that we hear more from the sector about their needs when it comes to climate change," she concluded. "So I am looking forward greatly to working with stakeholders during the consultation phase for this new policy.”